Thesis Format
Monograph
Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Kinesiology
Supervisor
Prapavessis, Harry
Abstract
A dynamic threat intervention grounded in Looming Vulnerability (LV) theory was used to examine whether inducing anxiety about vaping's health risks could influence vaping behaviour. Sixty-nine Canadian vapers of two different profiles (occasional vs frequent) were randomized into two groups: an experimental group (n=36) listened to an anxiety-inducing imagery script, while a control group (n=33) heard a script designed to elicit excitement. Measures collected were anxiety, perceived vulnerability (PV), perceived severity (PS) and vaping intention (VI) and behaviour (VB). Data from baseline, immediately post intervention and at a 2-week follow up were analyzed. Results showed a time by group by profile interaction for PS and VI, and a time by group effect for PV and vaping frequency (VB). This evidence suggests that an intervention grounded in LV can be utilized to enhance PV and PS as well as reduce VB among young adult vapers.
Summary for Lay Audience
Approximately 48% of young adults aged 15–19 in Canada have tried vaping at least once. This study aimed to determine whether making people feel anxious about the health risks of vaping could help reduce or stop the behaviour. The approach used was based on Looming Vulnerability (LV) theory, which suggests people are more likely to change their actions when they feel anxious about a threat that seems to be getting closer.
Sixty-nine young adult vapers, categorized as either occasional or frequent users, were split into two groups. One group listened to a guided story that highlighted the serious health risks of vaping to raise anxiety and concern. The other group heard a different story that aimed to create excitement without mentioning health or vaping. Before listening to the scripts, all participants completed surveys that measured their anxiety levels, how vulnerable they felt to vaping-related health risks, how serious they believed those risks were, and their current vaping habits. After the intervention, they completed the same measures, along with questions about their intention to continue vaping. Researchers followed up at 2 weeks to track changes in vaping habits and intentions.
The results showed that frequent vapers who heard the anxiety-inducing story believed more strongly in the serious health consequences of vaping. However, frequent vapers that were exposed to the excitement script reported a greater reduction in their intention to vape over time at the two week follow up. Regardless of their vaping profile, those who heard the anxiety-inducing story felt more vulnerable to vaping-related health risks right after the intervention and showed a decrease in vaping behavior frequency at the two-week follow-up. These results suggest that using engaging imagery scripts can impact the vaping habits of young adults.
Recommended Citation
Knight, Danielle, "The Effectiveness of a Looming Vulnerability Intervention in Reducing Vaping Behavior and Intention in Young Adults (aged 18 – 25)" (2025). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10909.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10909